Puttingal temple inferno: Chandy justifies national leaders visit

Thrissur (Kerala) : Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday attempted to downplay reports suggesting that the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) had objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Puttingal Devi Temple on the same day when the tragedy took place, saying the visit of national leaders provided relief to the people during the disaster.

Chandy said Prime Minister Modi came to the spot and expressed his grief, adding that it was a great relief for the people at that point of time.

“Apart from the Prime Minister, national leaders Shri Rahul Gandhi and CPI (M) general secretary Shri (Sitaram) Yechury they all came (and) that was a big relief for the people of Kerala.Their presence and their advice and their help was a great thing for Kerala,” he told the media here.

As per reports, Kerala DGP TP Senkumar had raised concerns over the high profile visits to the fire tragedy site as it would hamper the rescue efforts.

At least 113 people have been killed and scores injured after a huge stock of firecrackers went up in flames in Puttingal Devi Temple premises early on Sunday morning. (ANI)